About the Library

Our Mission

We will serve the information needs of the SUNY Cobleskill campus and community by providing relevant information sources, guiding and challenging intellectual growth, and teaching research skills for life.

 

The Library, the Center for Academic Support and Excellence and the Writing Center in Van Wagenen Hall provide an environment which revolves around the learning needs of students. The Library seats over 550 patrons. It contains study and conference rooms, a multimedia room, computer stations and plenty of space for students to relax and enjoy books and magazines. A multimedia classroom is available for large or small group instruction involving use of television, films or multimedia. The many computer workstations throughout the building provide access to the Internet and other electronic research tools.

 

The materials collections includes both print and non-print material. At present, the Library owns over 77,000 books and 5,400 audiovisual materials. The Library currently subscribes to 250 periodicals. Many additional magazines are available through full-text databases. Materials can be located using the library catalog or browse the print and electronic journal lists.

 

The library catalog is computerized and networked to other SUNY libraries enabling students to directly locate resources in multiple libraries. Students may borrow materials through the computerized circulation system and access reserve materials. Materials not owned by the Library can be quickly obtained for students through interlibrary loan. Students can also borrow materials at other SUNY campuses using the SUNY Union Catalog and from libraries in the Capital District Library Council.

 

Personal reference assistance is an important part of the Library's resources. Reference Librarians are available to answer questions and help students locate materials. The librarians offer instructional support services to assist students and faculty to learn important information skills. Recognizing the importance of the Internet as an information source, the Library has computer workstations in the Reference area that provide direct student access via the World Wide Web (WWW). The Library also maintains an extensive series of Web pages to provide easy access to subscription databases, links to subject-specific Internet sites, subject periodical lists, information guides, handouts and much more.

 

Staff and Contact Information

Van Wagenen Library Policies

Van Wagenen Library Newsletter